My husband and I married in August 2023 and went on the most amazing honeymoon to Gulf Shores, Alabama the following January.

It was the perfect escape from Minnesota winter, and we enjoyed so many great attractions, activities, and of course, beaches while there.

One of the biggest surprises during our honeymoon in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach was just how incredible the dining scene is. From upscale waterfront views to casual beach vibes and hidden gems inside a state park, we discovered a variety of unforgettable meals that made our trip even more special. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or just love great food, here are our favorite dining experiences from the trip:

🌊 CoastAL – Sunset Seafood & Tiramisu by the Gulf

We kicked off our honeymoon with dinner at CoastAL, a beautiful waterfront spot in Orange Beach. With an open-air bar, live music, and views of the Gulf, it’s the perfect place to soak in that “we’re finally on vacation” feeling. We arrived after dark so we enjoyed the romantic atmosphere here. We ordered Gulf Grouper and Local Crab Cakes, paired with tropical cocktails that tasted like summer. But the standout? The Bushwacker Tiramisu. If you go here, do yourself a favor and save room for dessert. You’ll thank us later.

🌳 Woodside Restaurant – Breakfast & Biking in the Park

Tucked inside Gulf State Park, Woodside Restaurant offers a cozy, rustic charm that’s perfect for a relaxed morning. We grabbed breakfast here before hopping on free rental bikes—conveniently available just outside the restaurant. The food was hearty and delicious, fueling us up for our ride through the park’s scenic trails. Woodside also hosts live music and trivia nights, so it’s more than just a morning stop—it’s a fun local hangout.

🌟 Voyagers – A Romantic Fine Dining Experience

Voyagers was hands-down the most romantic dining experience of our honeymoon. It’s an elegant restaurant with award-winning seafood and exceptional service. I had a steak with a salt-crusted potato that I’m still dreaming about, while my husband enjoyed a beautifully prepared whole fish. The cherry on top? Our server surprised us with a chocolate-dipped strawberry dessert that said “Congratulations” in chocolate sauce. It was thoughtful, intimate, and perfect.

🐬 Lulu’s – Laid-Back Vibes & Dolphin Sightings

We loved Lulu’s so much, we went twice! It’s a fun, family-friendly spot with a waterfront location along Portage Creek—where we saw dolphins during both of our visits! The atmosphere is colorful and casual, with a ropes course, arcade, and shopping for anyone looking for more than just food. As for the dishes, don’t miss the Smoked Tuna Dip, Fried Crab Claws, Shrimp & Grits, and Fish Tacos. Everything was fresh and flavorful.

🍝 Villaggio Grille – Italian Elegance with a Light Show

For a romantic Italian dinner, we headed to Villaggio Grille at The Wharf. The food was excellent, but the setting really elevated the evening.

Just outside, a nightly laser light show added a magical touch to our meal—it felt like dining under the stars, with a show just for us. A wonderful place to unwind after a day of exploring.

🥞 Sunliner Diner – Retro Charm & Classic Comfort Food

Walking into Sunliner Diner is like stepping back in time to the 1950s. With its chrome booths, vintage jukebox, and servers in retro uniforms, the atmosphere alone is worth the visit. We went for breakfast and it hit the spot—fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and some seriously good coffee. Their menu is full of diner staples like milkshakes, burgers, and hearty omelets, and everything is served with a touch of nostalgia. It’s a fun and casual spot, perfect for a relaxed morning or lunch date. Don’t forget to snap a photo outside with one of the vintage cars parked out front!

🐱 BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets – Whimsical, Warm & Worth the Stop

BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets quickly became one of our favorite little finds during the trip. This quirky café has so much personality—from the cat-themed décor to the colorful mugs and cozy vibe. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger. We stopped in for breakfast and loved the scratch-made pastries and locally roasted coffee. They also offer breakfast sandwiches, creative specials, and even pup treats if you’re traveling with a dog. It’s a great spot to start the day, especially if you want something unique and local.

🧉 Flora-Bama – Two States, One Unforgettable Bar

Flora-Bama isn’t just a bar—it’s an experience. Located right on the state line between Florida and Alabama (hence the name – get it?), this beachfront spot is part honky-tonk, part beach bar, and completely iconic. We stopped here for drinks and to check it off the “we’ve been to two states at the same time” list, but we stayed for the atmosphere. There’s live music, a laid-back crowd, and plenty of places to sit with a cocktail and enjoy the salty breeze. Whether you’re going for the novelty or the nightlife, Flora-Bama is one of those must-visit places that adds a little adventure to your beach trip.

And they’re very much known for their special cocktail, the Bushwacker, which is like a boozy milkshake. My husband and I weren’t fans, but they are super popular so it’s worth a try if you visit. Maybe you’ll love it like many do!

🍩 City Donut – Sweet Treats Worth Waking Up For

If you’re a donut lover like me, City Donut in Orange Beach needs to be on your list. We swung by one afternoon on our honeymoon and were instantly won over by the fresh, homemade donuts—they have so many fun flavors, and everything tastes like it just came out of the oven. They also serve ice cream and boba (yes, boba!), so it’s a fun stop any time of day. Go early—they do sell out of the good stuff fast!

We brought donuts back to the condo we were renting and enjoyed snacking on them all day – even late at night!

Final Thoughts

There were so many great places we didn’t get to try—like The Gulf and The Hangout, which locals and fellow travelers raved about. But the spots we did visit made our honeymoon even more memorable. Whether you’re looking for a candlelit dinner or casual bites by the beach, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are full of flavor and charm. Bon appétit!

From Seafood to Sunsets: Our Favorite Honeymoon Meals in Gulf Shores